So my dad purchased a 8×16 cargo trailer this fall and is now wanting to utilize it as a fish house. I told him it would be impossible to change the wheel axles out so it could drop down to the ice. The question I have is, has anyone done this before and how well would it heat if I used the hole sleeves to extend down to the ice? The other questions would be is how to go about cutting windows into this brand new trailer? Any help is appreciated!
You won’t have any issues heating it because of the sleeves. I have a 5×8 right now and am building a 6×12. Make sure to use some vents for safety. I mounted lights above the hole that I flip on to help land fish. For sleeves, I cut the bottom out of three 5 gallon buckets and the work great! One day I hope to get a real trailer that drops down to the ice, not in the budget right now though.
As far as windows go, it should be easy to tell once walls are exposed to insulate. Any welder should be able to help you header one out for minimal cost. You could do it with the metal they have at hardware stores that has holes already in it with a few nuts and bolts. Good luck, Joe 
I’ve got that set up mine is 6′ by 12′. Ordered it from dealer with windows on each side and one in the door. Had them put a RV door latch on and insulated on all sides except the floor and rear ramp door. I added a RV ceiling vent cover so it can be opened at all times and not froze closed. Mine is only 17″ from the floor to the ice so a catch cover works for the fishing holes. This cargo trailer is used as a cargo trailer, hunting shack and ice shack. The atv is loaded and ready to go when I need it. I don’t have to worry about the axles like the drop down shacks have.
Do you pull it on the ice with the ATV? What size machine?
No I havn’t pulled it on the ice with my atv. I think I could with the right conditions. I play it safe and wait until there is enough ice for the truck, or I have the atv inside with my Otter and take that out. I just have a small can-am outlander 400. I do pull it around the yard with the atv.
Quote:
I’ve got that set up mine is 6′ by 12′. Ordered it from dealer with windows on each side and one in the door. Had them put a RV door latch on and insulated on all sides except the floor and rear ramp door. I added a RV ceiling vent cover so it can be opened at all times and not froze closed. Mine is only 17″ from the floor to the ice so a catch cover works for the fishing holes. This cargo trailer is used as a cargo trailer, hunting shack and ice shack. The atv is loaded and ready to go when I need it. I don’t have to worry about the axles like the drop down shacks have.
Is there a chance you would be able to put some pictures up? Kind of curious how is looks on the inside and out. Trying to get some ideas on how I am going to pull this off for my dad. 
Im sure I will be able to think of something, just want to give him the best product that I can so he is happy with it.
Here’s one I had on hand, It’s up in the deer woods right now. I’ll try to get some more this weekend.
DO those windows that you have in there frost up in the winter? I am worried about what kind of windows I will be using. I hate it when the windows frost up and I cannot operate them. The only other idea I had was to strategically place fans so I could set them up as a defroster. I have a feeling these windows are the only option because of their ease of installation.
They do get moister on them they are single pane windows. I keep a squeege and paper towel handy.
What kind if insulation do you have in there? I am looking at getting his spray foamed. Just wondering if there is a cheaper way of doing it. I know spray foam would seal it off a lot nicer, just looking at my options before I commit.
I had it done at the factory and then they finished it off with a vinyl sheeting. I didn’t ask my dealer what they would put in . I’m going to guess it’s the hard sheets of insulation.
Here’s some ones I’ve found on other sites. I’ve been wanting to do the same thing with my 5×10′ Aluma trailer. Just haven’t made that jump yet.
Hopefully these will give you some ideas.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
